141. Typtology was speedily improved by the adoption of a more extended
method of communication, which we may designate as alphabetical typtology. This
consists in designating the letters of the alphabet by tilts; words, sentences, and even
long communications are thus obtained. According to one method, the table makes as
many tilts as are needed to indicate each letter ; that is to say, one tilt for a, two for b,
and so on; meanwhile, some one of the party writes down each letter as indicated by the
number of tilts. When the spirit has finished, he makes some sign, previously agreed
upon, to indicate the fact.
This mode of proceeding, as will be readily understood, is extremely tedious,
and requires an enormous amount of time for obtaining communications of any length ;
but practice soon suggested various abbreviative methods more rapid than the above.
That which is generally employed, consists in having the letters of the alphabet, and the
numerals, written on a sheet of paper or card-board. The medium being seated at the
table, some member of the circle runs a pencil or other pointer along the letters, when
words are wanted ; along the ciphers, when numbers are wanted. When the pencil
reaches the desired letter or cipher, the table gives a tilt, and the letter or cipher thus
indicated is written down; the person who holds the pencil going through the same
operation for the next letter, and so on. If a mistake occurs in regard to a letter, the
spirit gives notice of the fact by several tilts; and the pencil is again taken through the
alphabet. In this way, by dint of practice, it is possible to get on with tolerable
quickness.
